Credit: Port Houston

HOUSTON (May 1, 2025)—As evolving trade policies and geopolitical tensions create economic uncertainty in 2025, Houston enters the year with a strong foundation. According to the Greater Houston Partnership’s newly released 2025 Global Houston report, the region led the U.S. in exports last year – shipping $180.9 billion in goods, more than any other metro area.

 
The report, based on 2024 data compiled prior to this year’s policy changes, highlights how Houston’s infrastructure, industrial base and deep global relationships position the region to better navigate trade disruptions. 

“As the U.S. seeks fairer trade arrangements, the uncertainty is impacting some long-term investment decisions,” Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “At the same time, we’re seeing increased interest in the Houston metro as a destination for onshoring. Our region enters this period from a position of strength – we’re not only the nation’s top exporting metro, but also a leader in population and GDP growth. Houston is well-positioned to adapt, respond and benefit from global economic shifts.”

Notably, the Houston/Galveston Customs District is one of only 10 in the U.S. where exports exceed imports – a reflection of the region’s strong global demand and production capacity.

Key Metrics from the Global Houston Report:

• #1 U.S. Exporting Metro: $180.9B in goods exported in 2024 (3.1% increase from 2023)
• Record Customs District Tonnage: 432.6M metric tons handled, ranking No. 1 nationally
• Total Trade Value: $376.3B through Houston/Galveston, ranking No. 4 among U.S. districts
• Foreign Direct Investment: 81 foreign-owned companies announced plans to relocate, expand or start operations; a 56% increase from 2023 when 52 international projects were announced. (increase is partially due to improved data sourcing)
• Global Connectivity:
  • 3.1M international passengers traveled through Houston airports (record; a 4.2% increase over the 12.6 million passengers in ’23)
  • 3.4M container units processed at Port Houston (record)
• Migration-Driven Workforce Growth: Nearly 65% of the region’s 2024 population growth came from international migration

Energy Leads in Exports

Energy continues to play an outsized role in Houston’s international economy. Oil and refined petroleum products accounted for more than half (52.1%) of all trade value flowing through the Houston/Galveston Customs District in 2024 – totaling $196.1B, with 88% of that volume heading overseas. 
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), global oil demand is expected to reach 103.6 million barrels per day in 2025 – a new record, though below earlier projections. At the same time, lower forecasted oil prices and emerging trade barriers could prompt Texas producers to scale back new drilling, potentially reducing export volumes through the Houston/Galveston District.

Top 10 Houston Trading Partners in 2024:

1. Netherlands – $31.9B (↑ 23%) | Driven by oil exports amid EU energy diversification
2. China – $30.1B (↓ 7%) | Key supplier of industrial equipment and electronics
3. Mexico – $24.9B (↓ 13%) | Most integrated supply chain partner
4. South Korea – $23.8B (↑ 4%)
5. Germany – $16.9B (↑ 10%)
6. Brazil – $16.8B (↑ 6%)
7. United Kingdom – $15.0B (↑ 6%)
8. Japan – $13.5B (↑ 3%)
9. India – $13.2B (↓ 0.8%)
10. Canada – $11.5B (↑ 22%)

About the Report
Produced annually by the Greater Houston Partnership’s Research team, the Global Houston Report analyzes the region’s international trade, foreign investment, migration trends and sector strengths. It serves as a key resource for companies navigating an increasingly complex global business landscape.

Access the full report, here.

CONTACT:          

Brina Morales                                                
Sr. Director, Communications     
bmorales@houston.org